June 25 (Reuters) - Francesco Bagnaia ⁠has signed a four-year contract with Aprilia, the team said ⁠on Thursday, a day after Ducati confirmed the departure ‌of the two-time world champion, to be replaced by KTM’s Pedro Acosta from next year.

Bagnaia will join Aprilia from the start of MotoGP’s 2027 season, forming an ​all-Italian partnership at the Noale-based team alongside ⁠Marco Bezzecchi.

“Bagnaia’s arrival is ⁠a confirmation of the value of Italian sport, which in recent months ⁠has ‌distinguished itself on the world stage thanks to the achievements of Kimi Antonelli in Formula 1, Jannik Sinner ⁠in tennis, and Federica Brignone at the Olympic Winter ​Games Milano Cortina ‌2026,” Aprilia Racing CEO Massimo Rivola said.

“Having a multiple world ⁠champion is ​a responsibility we can’t wait to take on.”

Bagnaia will make his final appearance for Ducati at the Valencia Grand Prix at the end of ⁠November, bringing an end to a successful ​eight-year stint with the Italian manufacturer.

Since joining Ducati as a rookie in 2019, the 29-year-old has become the team's most successful rider ever. ⁠He delivered Ducati’s first riders’ championship in 15 years in 2022 and went on to secure a total of 31 victories, 62 podium finishes and 28 pole positions.